Chances are you would be disgusted at the thought of leaving your eating utensils on your bathroom counter exposed to germs, and never washing them but continuing to eat with them. This is essentially what you’re doing if you leave your toothbrush sitting out, and never sanitize or change it. Let’s talk about how to keep your toothbrush from being a germ-infested threat to your health.
Your toothbrush can be contaminated by bacteria, saliva, blood, and food particles with each use. Even after you rinse it with water, your toothbrush may appear clean but germs linger on the bristles. Some of the sources of bacteria on your toothbrush include:
• Your mouth, which transfers germs to your toothbrush during use.
• The environment, because bathrooms are often the most contaminated room in your house.
• The packaging, since toothbrushes aren’t sold in sterile packages they can arrive with germs already on them.
Here are some tips to guard your toothbrush from germs:
• Before and after you brush your teeth, wash your hands to get rid of germs.
• Rinse your toothbrush well with water, and then allow it to air dry.
• Store the toothbrush upright so that water can drain from it while drying.
• Consider storing your toothbrush in a dry area outside of the bathroom, away from humidity and toilet spray
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or more often if you notice worn bristles.
• Do not share your toothbrush with anyone.
• Do not soak your toothbrush in disinfectant or mouthwash, which can lead to cross contamination
• Do not bother microwaving your toothbrush or running it in the dishwasher, because these tactics may damage your brush.
Dentist in Toronto Ontario
It’s no secret that going to the dentist is not most people’s favorite activity. Some patients experience anxiety or fears about procedures, and others have a low pain threshold that makes undergoing treatments very uncomfortable. Sedation dentistry has been developed as a result of issues like these. What are some of the benefits of using intravenous (IV) anesthesia during dental treatments?
Eliminates pain
Similar to general anesthesia during surgery, IV sedation at the dentist office removes virtually all pain during the visit. There is little to no discomfort involved during a procedure performed using sedation techniques. A related benefit to the absence of pain is that patients are more willing to visit the dentist if they are not concerned about undergoing painful treatments. Sedation dentistry patients are more likely to get regular checkups.
Allows complex procedures
Sedation dentistry benefits both the patient and the dentist by enabling major dental results in a shorter time. Because the patient is asleep, the dentist can perform complicated and invasive tasks quickly and efficiently. There is no need to move slowly to consider the patient’s pain level, so often complex procedures can be accomplished in a single sitting as opposed to multiple dental visits otherwise.
Provides anesthesia alternative
Local anesthesia is not always a good solution for every patient. Sometimes local numbing techniques just aren’t effective, as some people have a high resistance to local anesthesia. Those patients have to tolerate high pain levels during procedures, but with sedation dentistry they can avoid pain completely.
Dr. Yolanda Cruz – Sedation Dentist in Toronto – Schedule your appointment today!
If you suspect that your breath is turning people away, you may be right. It is easy to fall victim to this embarrassing problem, but it’s not so simple to cure. Luckily there are some home remedies and hints that may help you avoid bad breath.
You probably already know that good dental care is the basic and most effective solution to bad breath. Food particles stuck between your teeth are the first thing that can cause problems. If you don’t brush and floss properly, any debris left in your mouth can become a breeding ground for bacteria. It will develop between your teeth, on your tooth enamel, and on your tongue. Flossing daily and brushing at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste will help you start protecting yourself from bad breath worries.
Another tip is to watch what you eat and drink. Experts suggest avoiding wine, beer, and other alcohol products. Coffee is another culprit known to impact your breath. Also limit your intake of strong-smelling dairy products, especially strong cheeses like Roquefort and blue cheese. Eating foods with pungent odors like onions and garlic contribute to stinky breath as well.
Some home remedies have proven effective in combating bad breath for some people. First, many herbs and spices can naturally aid your breath. Place cloves, parsley, fennel or anise seeds in a small plastic bag to carry with you. Try chewing on a small amount of one of these herbs after eating. Another suggestion is to make your own natural mouth rinse. Some commercial mouth rinses contain alcohol, which can trigger bad breath, so make your own instead. Combine extracts of sage, myrrh gum, and calendula in equal quantities and seal it tightly in a jar. Try rinsing your mouth with this mixture several times a day.
Dr. Yolanda Cruz – Dentist treating bad breath in Toronto – Schedule your appointment today!
Most people want a bright, white smile and there are many products and choices available today to achieve it. There are options for just about every goal and budget, and treatments may be performed professionally or in the comfort of your own home. If you choose to whiten your teeth at home, some users have concerns that they might overdo it and end up with teeth that glow in the dark. Is that possible?
Home whitening kits oxidize the proteins that stick to your teeth. They only work on natural teeth, not on dental restorations such as veneers, crowns, or bonds. Also remember that you shouldn’t eat or drink any colored items like sodas or coffee within two hours of treatment, or the whitening treatment won’t be as effective.
Even when used correctly, the extent that your teeth will whiten is affected by a variety of factors. These include age, genetics, medication use, and the degree of staining from items like coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
Whitening your teeth at home is safe. Over-bleaching them is rare, usually occurring in extreme cases in which the user does not follow the instructions. However, there is little point in trying to over-whiten your teeth and “beat the system” with home whitening kits. Your teeth will whiten only to a certain point, as they really don’t become truly white. If you feel your teeth have become too bright, you only have to give it some time. After a few months, your teeth will darken slightly to a lesser shade of white.
Teeth whitening dentist in Toronto – Schedule your appointment today
Plaque is your mouth’s enemy. It is a film of bacteria that forms on your teeth, and produces acid as it mixes with sugar from foods and drinks you consume. Over time, these acids destroy your tooth enamel and lead to decay. Plaque can also form under your gums and affect both the gum tissue and the bones supporting your teeth.
So how can you avoid getting the plaque that causes these problems? Here are some helpful tips.
Brush
Use a fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush all of your tooth surfaces, as well as your tongue.
Floss
As much as many people don’t want to, flossing your teeth every day is important in getting rid of plaque between your teeth and at your gum line.
Eat healthy foods
Some foods help keep plaque off your teeth. Munch on apples, cucumbers, carrots, and other raw vegetables and fruits. Crunchy foods like these will help clean your teeth while filling you up and giving you helpful nutrients.
Avoid junk food
On the other hand, limit the amount of junk food that you eat. Sugary drinks and foods introduce sugar into your mouth that will stick to your teeth and lead to plaque formation.
See your dentist
Even if you practice good oral hygiene, some amount of plaque usually forms. It hardens to become tartar, which can only be properly removed by your dentist. Dental checkups every six months will help you keep plaque under control, and a healthy smile on your face.
Dr. Cruz is Family & Cosmetic dentist in Toronto Canada
Do you hide your teeth because of embarrassing imperfections?
Do you see other people and envy their vibrant, white smiles?
Do you wish you could change your image?
If you answered yes to these questions, consider porcelain veneers. Crafted from fine dental porcelain, veneers can transform your smile. Since porcelain has a translucency that mimics enamel, your restorations will look completely natural. Attractive and durable, porcelain veneers will give you the radiant smile you desire.
Benefits of Veneers
With porcelain veneers, patients can:
• Achieve a uniform look
• Brighten a dull smile
• Enjoy lasting beauty
• Erase permanent stains
• Remove gaps between teeth
Because veneers are created to fit your smile, the dentist will select veneers that match your face shape, tooth size, and personality. During a consultation, you can discuss your goals with the dentist and look at examples to see what styles you prefer. After a complete exam, your doctor will design a customize plan for your smile makeover.
In preparation for placement, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth and send these models to a quality dental lab, where skilled ceramists will produce your custom veneers. Your doctor will also remove a thin layer of enamel so that your veneers ft securely over the teeth without looking bulky. Some dentists will place temporary veneers, which gives patients a chance to try out their new smiles. Care for your new veneers by brushing and flossing regularly as well as scheduling routine dental appointments.
Contact our dental office in Toronto to schedule a consultation – Dr. Yolanda Cruz
Dentist in Toronto. Cosmetic Dentist offering Porcelain Veneers to improve your smile.
E-Mail Us 
416-595-5490
